Tvärutskotten

Tvärutskotten refers to the lateral processes of a vertebra. These bony projections extend sideways from the vertebral arch. Their primary function is to serve as attachment points for muscles and ligaments of the back and neck. The size and shape of tvärutskotten can vary significantly between different vertebrae and also between different species. In humans, they are most prominent in the lumbar region, where they are robust to support the weight of the upper body and facilitate movements like lateral bending. In the thoracic region, the tvärutskotten articulate with the ribs, forming the costovertebral joints. In the cervical vertebrae, they are generally smaller and may have a different orientation. The presence and morphology of tvärutskotten are important anatomical features used in the identification of vertebrae and in understanding biomechanical stresses on the spine.